Six puppies are born and reinforce hope for a rare species of Brazilian marmoset The birth of puppies and the development of strategies to combat a parasite that threatens the survival of the species mark a new stage in the work carried out by the Serra Marmoset Conservation Center (CCSS), in Viçosa (MG). The institution is the only one in the world dedicated to the management of the mountain marmoset (Callithrix flaviceps), a rare primate, exclusive to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and threatened with extinction. ? Also follow Terra da Gente on Instagram For five years, the CCSS team, linked to the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), has been working on the conservation of two threatened species: the dusky marmoset (Callithrix aurita) and the mountain marmoset (Callithrix flaviceps). Between field activities, management and clinical care, professionals increase the chances of survival of these animals in the wild through the formation of a safety squad and strategies to reduce some of the main impacts faced by the species, such as hybridization. One of the center's main recent achievements was the birth of mountain marmoset puppies. Since December 2025, six cubs have been born at CCSS. The result is unprecedented, as the center is the only one in the world to work with marmosets, as the species is also known. With the new births, the marmoset squad now has 15 individuals, distributed in small groups. The expectation is to form four family groups soon. "These births are very important, as these marmosets are critically endangered on the national list. Having these animals reproducing in the CCSS, even under human care, is valid because this will help guarantee genetic diversity. And strategically, this works as a savings. In other words, in a population emergency situation, these animals will be extremely necessary, to bring the species to the wild and maintain local biodiversity", comments Fabiano Melo, specialist in primates and coordinator of the Conservation Center. See more news from Terra da Gente, on g1: DISCOVERY: After 12 years of mystery, scientists identify an unprecedented plant in Brazil FLAGRAM: Video records the song of the Guiana uirapuru in a preserved area in Pará PROTECTION: Salesópolis creates a new refuge to protect one of the rarest birds in Brazil Six endangered marmoset chicks are born in the only center in the world CCSS/UFV Archive Contmaination of the marmoset Amid the positive results, they emerged also unexpected challenges for the team. One of them was the discovery of individuals living close to urban centers contaminated by a parasite transmitted by cockroaches, an example of zoonosis. "This scenario brought an important warning to the clinical and health management of the species, highlighting the need for rigorous monitoring. We found intense parasitism in some animals by Prostenorchis spp (Acanthocephala), a helminth transmitted by invertebrates, such as cockroaches. To date, the scientific literature does not describe clinical protocols with proven efficacy for eliminating adult worms", explains Fabiana Voorwald, veterinarian and technical responsible for the CCSS. The team is now seeking to develop therapeutic strategies to save the parasitized animals. According to the researchers, some individuals have already died as a result of the infection after not responding to clinical treatments. Conservation center registers six endangered marmoset chicks CCSS/UFV Archive "We are considering including approaches such as removing the parasites using surgical techniques minimally invasive, since conventional treatments have limitations", adds the professional. Parasitism reinforces the vulnerability of marmosets in the face of threats to the survival of the species. "These animals have a very small distribution and are increasingly losing their habitat, in addition they are extremely affected by zoonoses. And Caratinga (MG), for example, we saw many marmosets die due to yellow fever. There was a large population there, a healthy population and when we carried out the population census more than 90% disappeared", emphasizes Fabiano. Long journey Given this scenario, the work carried out by the Conservation Center becomes essential to guarantee the future of these primates. The journey is long, but considered essential to reduce the risk of extinction of the species. Birth of puppies marks new hope for rare marmoset from the Atlantic Forest CCSS/UFV Archive "This work under human care is a way of maintaining a safe population, and that is a strategy foreseen in ICMBio's Population Management Plans. By obtaining a viable group of individuals of the same threatened species, with sanitary, genetic and reproductive control, we will be able to reduce the risk of extinction", adds Fabiana. Currently, the CCSS maintains the largest herd of dusky marmoset in the world, with 35 individuals. The institution is also the only one dedicated to managing the marmoset. The team plans to carry out, in 2027, an experimental reintroduction of individuals of C. aurita on the campus of the Federal University of Viçosa. Mountain marmoset (Callithrix flaviceps) Considered one of the smallest neotropical primates, the mountain marmoset weighs around 400 grams in adulthood and has light fur. Like other species of the genus Callithrix, it lives in family groups that can vary from three to 20 individuals. from Rio de Janeiro. Its distribution covers altitudes ranging from around 200 meters, in the Vale do Rio Doce region, to areas above 1,200 meters in Espírito Santo. health monitoring and mitigation of health risks. After being captured by a specialized team, the animals go through a period of quarantine, during which they are subjected to a series of assessments. "We carry out a clinical and detailed evaluation, including a complete physical examination and laboratory and complementary tests, such as hematological, biochemical, serological, coproparasitological tests, as well as abdominal ultrasound and others. After completing the quarantine and integrating the individuals into the squad, clinical monitoring becomes continuous and systematic", explains the veterinarian. Hybridization Endangered species gains six offspring in unprecedented project in Brazil CCSS/UFV Archive Another important aspect of the CCSS's work is the management of hybrid individuals, a strategy used to preserve the genetic integrity of the species. "In areas where mixed groups or hybrid groups occur, we capture these groups with the aim of promoting surgical sterilization of hybrid individuals. This technique allows us to interrupt reproduction without compromising endocrine function, preserving the reproductive behavior and social dynamics of groups, which is a central aspect in the biology of callitrichids. To date, we have sterilized almost 200 hybrid individuals in the region of Zona da Mata (MG), and Serra da Mantiqueira (SP), areas where the dusky marmoset and the mountain marmoset." VIDEOS: Highlights Terra da Gente See more content about nature on Terra da Gente